Bulkhead with angled openings and method

ABSTRACT

A bulkhead adapter plate that mounts to a face panel of a cable management panel, and a method of making the bulkhead adapter plate. The plate including angled adapter mounting openings formed by performing a minimum number of bending operations.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 12/381,162,filed Mar. 6, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,978,951, issued Jul. 12, 2011,which claims the benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 61/072,186,filed Mar. 28, 2008, which applications are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to devices for management oftelecommunication cables and associated methods. More particularly, thisdisclosure relates to adapter assemblies used in cable management panelsfor managing fiber optic cable terminations, and associated methods.

BACKGROUND

Cable management arrangements for cable termination, splice, and storagecome in many forms. One cable management arrangement used in thetelecommunications industry today includes sliding drawers installed ontelecommunication equipment racks. The drawers provide organized,high-density, cable termination, splice, and storage intelecommunication infrastructures that often have limited space.

Because telecommunication infrastructures are massive in scale, fiberoptic termination management can be difficult and costly to organize.There is a continued need in the art for better cable management devicesand arrangements that address concerns regarding costs andorganizational effectiveness of cable management arrangements.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a bulkhead adapter plate assembly thatmounts to a face panel of a cable management panel, and a method ofmaking the assembly. One aspect of the invention relates to an adapterplate having angled adapter mounting openings formed by performing aminimum number of bending operations. The method employing the minimumnumber of bend operations produces an adapter plate having improvedflatness characteristics.

A variety of examples of desirable product features or methods are setforth in part in the description that follows, and in part will beapparent from the description, or may be learned by practicing variousaspects of the disclosure. The aspects of the disclosure may relate toindividual features as well as combinations of features, includingcombinations of features disclosed in separate embodiments. It is to beunderstood that both the foregoing general description and the followingdetailed description are explanatory only, and are not restrictive ofthe claimed invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a prior art adapter plate;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the prior art adapter plate of FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of a bulkheadadapter plate according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the bulkhead adapter plate of FIG.3;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a cablemanagement panel including two bulkhead adapter plates in accordancewith the principles disclosed;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a sheet form of the bulkhead adapter plateof FIG. 3, illustrated prior to a bending process;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the bulkhead adapter plate of FIG. 3 formedupon completion of the bending process of the sheet form of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the bulkhead adapter plate of FIG. 3formed upon completion of the bending process of the sheet form of FIG.6;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the bulkhead adapter plate of FIG. 3 formedupon completion of the bending process of the sheet form of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is another side elevation view of the bulkhead adapter plate ofFIG. 3 formed upon completion of the bending process of the sheet formof FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of another sheet form that forms a secondembodiment of a bulkhead adapter plate, illustrated prior to a bendingprocess;

FIG. 12 is front perspective view of the second embodiment of thebulkhead adapter plate formed from the sheet form of FIG. 11 inaccordance with the principles disclosed, and further showing adaptersmounted to the bulkhead adapter plate;

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of third embodiment of a bulkheadadapter plate according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the bulkhead adapter plate of FIG.13;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of a sheet form of the bulkhead adapter plateof FIG. 13, illustrated prior to a bending process;

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the bulkhead adapter plate of FIG. 13 formedupon completion of the bending process of the sheet form of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of the bulkhead adapter plate of FIG.13 formed upon completion of the bending process of the sheet form ofFIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the bulkhead adapter plate of FIG. 13formed upon completion of the bending process of the sheet form of FIG.15;

FIG. 19 is a top plan view of another sheet form that forms a fourthembodiment of a bulkhead adapter plate similar to FIG. 13, illustratedprior to a bending process;

FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of fifth embodiment of a bulkheadadapter plate according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of the bulkhead adapter plate ofFIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a top plan view of a sheet form of the bulkhead adapter plateof FIG. 20, illustrated prior to a bending process;

FIG. 23 is a bottom view of the bulkhead adapter plate of FIG. 20 formedupon completion of the bending process of the sheet form of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a side elevation view of the bulkhead adapter plate of FIG.20 formed upon completion of the bending process of the sheet form ofFIG. 22;

FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of sixth embodiment of a bulkheadadapter plate according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 26 is a rear perspective view of the bulkhead adapter plate of FIG.25;

FIG. 27 is a top plan view of a sheet form of the bulkhead adapter plateof FIG. 25, illustrated prior to a bending process;

FIG. 28 is a bottom view of the bulkhead adapter plate of FIG. 25 formedupon completion of the bending process of the sheet form of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a side elevation view of the bulkhead adapter plate of FIG.25 formed upon completion of the bending process of the sheet form ofFIG. 27; and

FIG. 30 is a schematic representation of a tool that can be used toremove adapters from the mounting openings of one or more of thedisclosed bulkhead adapter plate embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a prior art adapter plate 2 used to mountadapters (not shown) to telecommunications equipment. The adapter platedefines a plurality of holes 3 sized to receive the adapters. Tomanufacture the adapter plate 2, a flat sheet of metal is put through aseries of bending operations. In particular, a first bending operationis performed to create a first bend 4, a second bending operation isthen performed to create a second bend 5, a third bending operation isthen performed to create a third bend 6, and so on. To produce the plate2 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, thirteen bending operations are performed.

Each of the thirteen bending operations is performed sequentially. Ascan be understood, as the bending operations progress, the previouslybent portions can become deformed and fall out of acceptablemanufacturing tolerances. In particular, one problem often arising inthe manufacture of such plates concerns the flatness of the front face 8(defined by plane PP). The sequential bending operations cause the frontface 8 to bow, twist, and otherwise fall outside an acceptable range ofa specified dimensional flatness. Manufacturers commonly have to reworksuch plate components in an attempt to meet the required dimensionalflatness.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, one embodiment a bulkhead adapter plate10 according to the principles of the present disclosure is illustrated.The bulkhead adapter plate can be used in cable management drawers, suchas the drawer 12 shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, the drawer 12 includes twobulkhead adapter assemblies 14 that include a bulkhead adapter plate,such as the bulkhead adapter plate 10 shown in FIG. 3. The bulkheadadapter assemblies 14 mount within openings of a front panel 16 of thecable management drawer 12. Further details of an example cablemanagement drawer or panel that can utilize the presently disclosedbulkhead adapter plates are described in U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 61/072,184, filed Mar. 28, 2008, U.S. Provisional Application No.61/126,672, filed May 5, 2008, and U.S. application Ser. No. 12/381,160,filed Mar. 6, 2009; which applications are incorporated herein byreference.

Referring back to FIGS. 3 and 4, the bulkhead adapter plate 10 generallyincludes a first flange end 18, a second flange end 20, and an adapterframe 22. The adapter frame 22 extends between the first and secondflange ends 18 and 20. A mounting hole 24 is formed in each of the firstand second flange ends 18, 20. The mounting holes 24 are sized toreceive fasteners 26 (FIG. 5) that mount the bulkhead adapter plate 10to the cable management drawer 12.

The bulkhead adapter plate 10 of the present disclosure defines aplurality of integral adapter mounting openings 30. The adapter mountingopenings 30 are sized to receive adapters 32 (see e.g., FIG. 12), suchas SC type adapter or LC type adapters; the openings can be sized toreceive other types of adapters as well. The adapters and the adapterplate 10 define the bulkhead adapter assembly 14 (FIG. 5) that mounts inthe front panel 16 of the cable management drawer 12.

Referring still to FIGS. 3 and 4, the adapter frame 22 of the bulkheadadapter plate 10 includes a first side portion 34, a second side portion36, and a center portion 38 located between the first and second sideportions. The center portion 38 of the adapter frame 22 is integrallyconnected to the first and second flange ends 18, 20 of the bulkheadadapter plate 10.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the bulkhead adapter plate 10 originates as aflat sheet of metal 40. The flat sheet of metal 40 includes each of thefirst and second flange ends 18, 20, the first and second side portions34, 36 of the adapter frame 22, and the center portion 38 of the adapterframe 22.

The flat sheet of metal 40 further defines first and second apertures42, 43. In the illustrated embodiment, six of the first apertures 42 andsix of the second apertures 43 are provided. Each of the first apertures42 has a first aperture portion 44 that extends into or is formed withinthe center portion 38 of the adapter frame 22, and a second apertureportion 46 that extends into or is formed within one of the sideportions 34, 36 of the adapter frame. Similarly, each of the secondapertures 43 has a first aperture portion 76 that extends into or isformed within the center portion 38 of the adapter frame 22, and asecond aperture portion 78 that extends into or is formed within one ofthe side portions 34, 36 of the adapter frame.

The center portion 38 of the flat sheet of metal 40 also includes afirst row 50 of center tabs 52 and a second row 54 of center tabs 52.The center tabs 52 are initially located within the first apertureportions 76 of the second apertures 43. The center tabs 52 furtherpartly define the first aperture portions 44 of the first apertures 42.Each of the center tabs 52 of the first and second rows 50, 54 isinterconnected to a cross piece 58 of the center portion 38. In thisembodiment, each cross piece 58 extends between and is interconnected toeach of the first and second side portions 34, 36 of the adapter frame22. Through holes 48 are provided in each of the side portions 34, 36and the center tabs 52 of the adapter frame 22.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 8, the cross pieces 58 of the adapter frame22 define a plane P (FIG. 8). The flatness of plane P is often specifiedas a manufacturing constraint because the flatness can affect the properfit between the adapters 32 and the adapter mounting openings 30 of theadapter plate 10, and can also affect the proper fit between the adapterplate 10 and the opening in the front panel 16 of the cable managementdrawer 12. The present flat sheet of metal 40 and forming processproduces a bulkhead adapter plate having a significantly improvedflatness. The present flat sheet of metal 40 and the forming processfurther reduces the cost of manufacturing by reducing the number ofbending operations; and likewise reduces costs by reducing reworkassociated with conventional manufacturing operations.

For example, to manufacture the present bulkhead adapter plate 10 ofFIG. 3, the flat sheet of metal 40 (FIG. 6) undergoes four bendingprocedures. In particular, one row of the first and second rows 50, 54of center tabs 52 (e.g., row 50) is first bent generally perpendicularto plane P (FIG. 8) at a bend line B1. The other of the first and secondrows (e.g., 54) of tabs 52 is then similarly bent generallyperpendicular to the plane P at the bend line B1. Next, one of the firstand second side portions (e.g., 34) of the flat sheet of metal 40 isbent generally perpendicular to plane P at a bend line (e.g., B2); andlast, the other of the first and second side portions (e.g., 36) is bentgenerally perpendicular to plane P at a bend line (e.g., B3).

Each of the bending operations includes bending the portions 34, 36 andthe tabs 52 at bend lines B1-B3 that extend along a major dimension(i.e., the length L, FIG. 6) of the adapter frame 22. In contrast, thebending operations of the prior art method including bending the sheetof metal at bend lines (e.g., 4, 5 of FIG. 1) that extend along atransverse minor dimension (i.e., the width) of the adapter plate 2.Only four bending operations are required to produce the bulkheadadapter plate of FIGS. 3 and 4, as opposed to the thirteen bendingoperations required to produce the prior art plate 2 of FIG. 1. Thisreduces the costs of manufacturing by reducing the number of bendingprocedures required to produce the bulkhead adapter plate. Also, entirerows of openings are formed at the same time; this improves the flatnesscharacteristics of the adapter plate as the plate is less likely todeform in comparison to prior art methods of manufacture involving manysubsequent bending operations.

Referring to FIGS. 7-10, upon completion of the four bending operations,the first and second side portions 34, 36 are generally parallel to oneanother. The first and second rows of tabs 52 of the flat sheet of metal40 (FIG. 6) now define a single row of tabs 52 that are generallyparallel to the first and second side portions 34, 36.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 9, the apertures 42, 43 of the flat sheet ofmetal 40 form the adapter mounting openings 30 of the bulkhead adapterplate 10. In particular, the first portions 44 and 76 (FIG. 6) of thefirst and second apertures 42, 43 form opening faces 62 (see FIGS. 7 and8) in plane P to the adapter mounting openings 30. The second portions46 and 78 (FIG. 6) of the first and second apertures 42, 43 form angledside openings 64 (see FIGS. 8 and 10) of the adapter mounting openings30.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 10, the angled side openings 64 are formed ineach of the first and second side portions 34, 36 of the bulkheadadapter plate 10. The angled side openings 64 are defined by first andsecond perpendicular edges 80, 82. Each of edges 80, 82 extends atnon-perpendicular angle A1, A2 (FIG. 8) relative to plane P. The angledside openings 64 of the mounting openings 30 receive the adapters 32 inan angled orientation (see e.g., FIG. 12) relative to the center portion38 (i.e., plane P) of the adapter frame 22.

In the illustrated embodiment, an array of twelve angled adaptermounting openings 30 including two rows of six aligned openings isformed. As can be understood, other numbers of openings can be formed inaccordance with the principles disclosed.

Referring again to FIG. 6, the angled mounting openings 30 of thebulkhead adapter plate 10 are provided in part by the location of theapertures 42, 43 in the flat sheet of metal 40. In particular, theapertures 42, 43 are located such that the bend lines B2 and B3intersect the apertures 42, 43. The intersection of the apertures 42, 43define the first aperture portions 44, 76 that are formed in the centerportion 38 and the second aperture portion 46, 78 that are formed in theside portions 34, 36.

Referring still to FIG. 6, each of the first and second side portions34, 36 has notched cutouts 66 formed in an edge 68 opposite therespective bend line B2, B3. As will be described in greater detailhereinafter, the notched cutouts permit a technician to install orinsert the adapters into the mounting openings 30 from either a frontside 74 (FIG. 3) of the bulkhead adapter plate 10 or a rear side 75(FIG. 4) of the bulkhead adapter plate.

To assemble the bulkhead adapter assembly 14, the adapters 32 (see e.g.,FIG. 12) are oriented at an angle relative to the plane P (FIG. 8)defined by the center portion 38 of the bulkhead adapter plate 10. Theadapters 32 are then inserted within the mounting openings 30. Referringto FIGS. 3 and 12, when inserted from the front side 74 of the bulkheadadapter plate 10, a first locating shoulder 70 of the adapter 32contacts the first edge 80 of the mounting opening 30. Likewise, asecond locating shoulder 72 of the adapter contacts an edge 84 of thecenter tab 52. The contact between the locating shoulders 70, 72 and theedges limits the axial insertion of the adapters 32.

To secure the adapters in the mounting openings 30, mounting tabs 60(e.g., FIG. 12) located on opposite sides of the adapters 32 engage thethrough holes 48 (FIG. 3) of the bulkhead adapter plate 10. Inparticular, one mounting tab 60 of a single adapter 32 engages one ofthe through hole 48 in one of the side portions 34, 36, and the othermounting tab 60 engages the through hole 48 in one of the center tabs52.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 12, when the adapters 32 are inserted fromthe rear side 75 of the bulkhead adapter plate 10, the first locatingshoulder 70 of the adapter 32 contacts an edge 86 of the cutout 66 (seealso FIG. 8) of the respective side portion (e.g., 36). Likewise, thesecond locating shoulder 72 of the adapter contacts a bottom edge 88(see also FIG. 6) of the center tab 52. Similar to the previous assemblymethod, to secure the adapters in the mounting openings 30, the mountingtabs 60 (e.g., FIG. 12) located on the opposite sides of the adapters 32engage the through holes 48 (FIG. 4) of the bulkhead adapter plate 10.

Referring now to FIG. 11, another sheet of metal 240 used in themanufacture of a second embodiment of a bulkhead adapter plate 210 (FIG.12) is illustrated. Similar to the previous embodiment, the resultingbulkhead adapter plate 210 includes first and second flange ends 218,220 and an adapter frame 222 located between the ends. The adapter frame222 includes a first side portion 234, a second side portion 236, and acenter portion 238 located between the side portions. The center portion238 of the flat sheet of metal 240 includes a first row 250 of centertabs 252 and a second row 254 of center tabs 252. Each of the centertabs 252 is interconnected to a cross piece 258 of the center portion238. Unlike the first embodiment, the cross pieces 258 to which thecenter tabs 252 are integrally attached are connected to only one of theside portions 234, 236, rather than to both side portions. Thisembodiment permits the bulkhead adapter plate 210 to have a shortenedoverall length in comparison to the first embodiment; for use inapplications requiring the particular shortened length.

Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, a third embodiment of a bulkheadadapter plate 310 according to the principles of the present disclosureis illustrated. The bulkhead adapter plate 310 generally includes afirst flange end 318, a second flange end 320, and an adapter frame 322.The adapter frame 322 extends between the first and second flange ends318 and 320. A mounting hole 324 is formed in each of the first andsecond flange ends 318, 320. The mounting holes 324 are sized to receivefasteners 26 (FIG. 5) that mount the bulkhead adapter plate 310 to acable management drawer (e.g., 12 in FIG. 5).

The bulkhead adapter plate 310 defines a plurality of integral adaptermounting openings 330. The adapter mounting openings 330 are sized toreceive adapters such as SC type adapter or LC type adapters. In thisembodiment, the openings receive adapters each having two connectionlocations; the openings can be sized to receive other types of adaptersas well. The adapters and the adapter plate 310 define a bulkheadadapter assembly (see for example, 14 in FIG. 5) that mounts in thefront panel (e.g., 16) of a cable management drawer.

Referring still to FIGS. 13 and 14, the adapter frame 322 of thebulkhead adapter plate 310 includes a first side portion 334, a secondside portion 336, and a center portion 338 located between the first andsecond side portions. The center portion 338 of the adapter frame 322 isintegrally connected to the first and second flange ends 318, 320 of thebulkhead adapter plate 310.

Referring now to FIG. 15, the bulkhead adapter plate 310 originates as aflat sheet of metal 340. The flat sheet of metal 340 includes each ofthe first and second flange ends 318, 320, the first and second sideportion 334, 336 of the adapter frame 322, and the center portion 338 ofthe adapter frame 322.

The flat sheet of metal 340 further defines apertures 342. In theillustrated embodiment, six apertures 342 are provided. Each of theapertures 342 has a first aperture portion 344 that is formed within thecenter portion 338 of the adapter frame 322, a second aperture portion346 that extends into or is formed within the side portion 334 of theadapter frame, and a third aperture portion 347 that extends into or isformed within the side portion 336 of the adapter frame. Cross pieces358 of the center portion 338 generally define first aperture portions344 of the apertures 342. The cross pieces 358 extend between and areinterconnected to each of the first and second side portions 334, 336 ofthe adapter frame 322. The cross pieces 358 of the adapter frame 322define a plane P (FIG. 17, see also FIG. 13). Through holes 348 areprovided in each of the side portions 334, 336 of the adapter frame 322.

To manufacture the bulkhead adapter plate 310 of FIG. 13, the flat sheetof metal 340 (FIG. 15) undergoes two bending procedures. In particular,one of the first and second side portions (e.g., 334) of the flat sheetof metal 340 is bent generally perpendicular to plane P at a bend line(e.g., B1). The other of the first and second side portions (e.g., 336)is then bent generally perpendicular to plane P at a bend line (e.g.,B2). Each of the bending operations includes bending the portions 334,336 at bend lines B1-B2 that extend along a major dimension (i.e., thelength L, FIG. 15) of the adapter frame 322. Only two bending operationsare required to produce the bulkhead adapter plate of FIGS. 13 and 14,as opposed to the thirteen bending operations required to produce theprior art plate 2 of FIG. 1. As previously discussed, this reduces thecosts of manufacturing and improves the flatness characteristics of theadapter plate.

Referring to FIGS. 16-18, upon completion of the two bending operations,the first and second side portions 334, 336 are generally parallel toone another. The apertures 342 of the flat sheet of metal 340 (FIG. 15)form the adapter mounting openings 330 of the bulkhead adapter plate310. In particular, the first portions 344 (FIG. 16, see also FIG. 15)of the apertures 342 form opening faces 362 (see FIGS. 16 and 17) inplane P to the adapter mounting openings 330. The second and thirdportions 346 and 347 of the apertures 342 form angled side openings 364(see FIGS. 14 and 17) of the adapter mounting openings 330.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 17, the angled side openings 364 are formed ineach of the first and second side portions 334, 336 of the bulkheadadapter plate 310. The angled side openings 364 are defined by first andsecond perpendicular edges 380, 382. Each of edges 380, 382 extends atnon-perpendicular angle A1, A2 (FIG. 17) relative to plane P. The angledside openings 364 of the mounting openings 330 receive the adapters inan angled orientation relative to the center portion 338 (i.e., plane P)of the adapter frame 322. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 13-18,an array of six angled adapter mounting openings 330 is formed. As canbe understood, other numbers of openings can be formed in accordancewith the principles disclosed.

Referring again to FIG. 15, the angled mounting openings 330 of thebulkhead adapter plate 310 are provided in part by the location of theapertures 342 in the flat sheet of metal 340. In particular, theapertures 342 are located such that the bend lines B1 and B2 intersectthe apertures 342. The intersection of the apertures 342 define thefirst aperture portions 344 that are formed in the center portion 338and the second and third aperture portion 346, 347 that are formed inthe side portions 334, 336.

Referring still to FIG. 15, each of the first and second side portion334, 336 has notched cutouts 366 formed in an edge 368 opposite therespective bend line B1, B2. The notched cutouts permit a technician toinstall or insert adapters into the mounting openings 330 from either afront side 374 (FIG. 13) of the bulkhead adapter plate 310 or a rearside 375 (FIG. 14) of the bulkhead adapter plate.

To assemble a bulkhead adapter assembly, adapters are inserted withinthe mounting openings 330. Referring to FIG. 13, when inserted from thefront side 374 of the bulkhead adapter plate 310, a first locatingshoulder of the adapter contacts the first edge 380 of the opening side346 in the first side portion 334. Likewise, a second locating shoulderof the adapter contacts the first edge 380 of the opening side 346 inthe second side portion 336. The contact between the locating shouldersand the edges 380 limits the axial insertion of the adapters.

To secure the adapters in the mounting openings 330, mounting tabslocated on opposite sides of the adapters engage the through holes 348(FIGS. 13) of the bulkhead adapter plate 310. In particular, onemounting tab of a single adapter engages one of the through hole 348 inthe first side portion 334, and the other mounting tab engages thecorresponding through hole 348 in the second side portion 336.

Referring now to FIG. 14, when the adapters are inserted from the rearside 375 of the bulkhead adapter plate 310, the first locating shoulderof the adapter contacts each edge 386 of two corresponding cutouts 366(see also FIG. 15) of the side portions 334, 336. Similar to theprevious assembly method, to secure the adapters in the mountingopenings 330, the mounting tabs of the adapters engage the through holes348 (FIGS. 14) of the bulkhead adapter plate 310.

Referring now to FIG. 19, another sheet of metal 440 used in themanufacture of a fourth embodiment of a bulkhead adapter plate (similarto bulkhead adapter plate 310 in FIG. 13) is illustrated. Like to theprevious embodiment, the sheet of metal 440, and resulting bulkheadadapter plate, include first and second flange ends 418, 420 and anadapter frame 422 located between the ends. The adapter frame 422includes a first side portion 434, a second side portion 436, and acenter portion 438 located between the side portions. The center portion438 of the flat sheet of metal 440 includes cross pieces 458 thatgenerally define the first portion first aperture portions 444 ofapertures 442. In this embodiment, the cross pieces 458 are narrowerprovide a shortened overall length in comparison to the previousembodiment; for use in applications requiring the particular shortenedlength.

Referring now to FIGS. 20 and 21, a fifth embodiment a bulkhead adapterplate 510 according to the principles of the present disclosure isillustrated. The bulkhead adapter plate 510 includes a first flange end518, a second flange end 520, and an adapter frame 522. The adapterframe 522 extends between the first and second flange ends 518 and 520.A mounting hole 524 is formed in each of the first and second flangeends 518, 520. The mounting holes 524 are sized to receive fasteners 26(FIG. 5) that mount the bulkhead adapter plate 510 to a cable managementdrawer (e.g., 12 in FIG. 5).

The bulkhead adapter plate 510 defines first and second integral adaptermounting openings 530, 531. The adapter mounting openings 530, 531 eachsized to receive an aligned number of adapters, such as SC type adapteror LC type adapters. The adapters and the adapter plate 510 define thebulkhead adapter assembly (see for example, 14 in FIG. 5) that mounts inthe front panel (e.g., 16) of the cable management drawer.

Referring still to FIGS. 20 and 21, the adapter frame 522 of thebulkhead adapter plate 510 includes a first side portion 534, a secondside portion 536, and a center portion 538 located between the first andsecond side portions. Each of the first and second side portions 534,536, and the center portion 538 of the adapter frame 522 is integrallyconnected to the first and second flange ends 518, 520 of the bulkheadadapter plate 510.

Referring now to FIG. 22, the bulkhead adapter plate 510 originates as aflat sheet of metal 540. The flat sheet of metal 540 includes each ofthe first and second flange ends 518, 520, the first and second sideportion 534, 536 of the adapter frame 522, and the center portion 538 ofthe adapter frame 522. Each of the first and second side portions 534,536 and the center portion 538 of the adapter frame 522 has frontcutouts 565 and rear cutouts 566. Through holes 548 are provided in eachof the side portions 534, 536 and the center portion 538 of the adapterframe 522.

Referring now to FIGS. 21 and 24, the adapter frame 522 has a front 574that generally defines a plane P (FIG. 24). To manufacture the bulkheadadapter plate 510, the flat sheet of metal 540 (FIG. 22) undergoes threebending procedures. In particular, the center portion 538 is first bentgenerally perpendicular to plane P (FIG. 24) at a bend line B1. One ofthe first and second side portion (e.g., 536) is then bent generallyperpendicular to the plane P at a bend line (e.g., B2). Last, the otherof the first and second side portions (e.g., 534) is bent generallyperpendicular to plane P at a bend line (e.g., B3). Each of the bendingoperations includes bending the portions 534, 536, 538 at bend linesB1-B3 that extend along a major dimension (i.e., the length L, FIG. 22)of the adapter frame 522. Only three bending operations are required toproduce the bulkhead adapter plate of FIGS. 20 and 21, as opposed to thethirteen bending operations required to produce the prior art plate 2 ofFIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 23, upon completion of the three bendingoperations, the first and second side portions 534, 536, and the centerportion 538 of the adapter frame 522 are generally parallel to oneanother.

Referring to FIG. 24, the front cutouts 565 of the flat sheet of metal540 (FIG. 22) form angled side openings 564 of the adapter mountingopenings 530, 531. The angled side openings 564 are defined by first andsecond perpendicular edges 580, 582. Each of edges 580, 582 extends atnon-perpendicular angle A1, A2 (FIG. 24) relative to plane P. The angledside openings 564 of the mounting openings 530 receive the adapters inan angled orientation relative to the plane P of the adapter frame 522.Likewise, the rear cutouts 566 of the flat sheet of metal 540 (FIG. 22)form angled side openings 567 (FIG. 24). The angled side openings 567are defined by first and second perpendicular edges 581, 583. Each ofedges 581, 583 extends at non-perpendicular angle relative to plane P.

In the illustrated embodiment, an array of twelve angled adapters can bemounted within the two mounting openings 530, 531, the array includingtwo rows of six aligned and angled adapters. As can be understood, othernumbers of adapters or array configurations can be formed in accordancewith the principles disclosed.

To assemble a bulkhead adapter assembly, adapters inserted within themounting openings 530, 531. Referring to FIG. 21, when inserted from thefront side 574 of the bulkhead adapter plate 510, a first locatingshoulder of the adapter contacts the first edge 580 of the one of theside portions (e.g., 534). Likewise, a second locating shoulder of theadapter contacts the first edge 580 of the center portion 538. Thecontact between the locating shoulders and the edges limits the axialinsertion of the adapters.

To secure the adapters in the mounting openings 530, 531, mounting tabslocated on opposite sides of the adapters engage the through holes 548(FIG. 21) of the bulkhead adapter plate 510. In particular, one mountingtab of a single adapter engages one of the through hole 548 in one ofthe side portions (e.g., 534), and the other mounting tab engages thethrough hole 548 in the center portion 538.

Referring now to FIGS. 20, when the adapters are inserted from a rearside 575 of the bulkhead adapter plate 510, the first locating shoulderof the adapter contacts the edge 581 of the rear cutout 566 (see alsoFIG. 22) of one of the side portions (e.g., 536). Likewise, the secondlocating shoulder of the adapter contacts the edge 581 of the rearcutout 566 of the center portion 538. Similar to the previous assemblymethod, to secure the adapters in the angled orientation, the mountingtabs located on the opposite sides of the adapters engage the throughholes 548 (FIG. 20) of the bulkhead adapter plate 510.

Referring now to FIGS. 25 and 26, a sixth embodiment a bulkhead adapterplate 610 according to the principles of the present disclosure isillustrated. The bulkhead adapter plate 610 includes a first flange end618, a second flange end 620, and an adapter frame 622. The adapterframe 622 extends between the first and second flange ends 618 and 620.A mounting hole 624 is formed in each of the first and second flangeends 618, 620. The mounting holes 624 are sized to receive fasteners 26(FIG. 5) that mount the bulkhead adapter plate 610 to a cable managementdrawer (e.g., 12 in FIG. 5).

The bulkhead adapter plate 610 defines first and second integral adaptermounting openings 630, 631. The adapter mounting openings 630, 631 eachsized to receive an aligned number of adapters, such as SC type adapteror LC type adapters. The adapters and the adapter plate 610 define thebulkhead adapter assembly (see for example, 14 in FIG. 5) that mounts inthe front panel (e.g., 16) of the cable management drawer.

Referring still to FIGS. 25 and 26, the adapter frame 622 of thebulkhead adapter plate 610 includes a first side portion 634, a secondside portion 636, a first center portion 638, and a second centerportion 639. Each of the side portions 634, 636, and the center portions638, 639 of the adapter frame 622 is integrally connected to the firstand second flange ends 618, 620 of the bulkhead adapter plate 610.

Referring now to FIG. 27, the bulkhead adapter plate 610 originates as aflat sheet of metal 640. Similar to the previous embodiment, each of theside portions 634, 636 and the center portions 638, 639 of the adapterframe 622 has front cutouts 665 and rear cutouts 661. Through holes 648are provided in each of the side portions 634, 636 and the centerportions 638, 639 of the adapter frame 622.

Referring now to FIGS. 25 and 29, the adapter frame 622 has a front 674that generally defines a plane P (FIG. 29). To manufacture the bulkheadadapter plate 610 of FIG. 25, the flat sheet of metal 640 (FIG. 27)undergoes four bending procedures. In particular, one of the first andsecond center portions (e.g., 638) is first bent generally perpendicularto plane P (FIG. 29) at a bend line B1. The other of the first andsecond center portions (e.g., 639) is then bent generally perpendicularto plane P at a bend line (e.g., B2). Next, one of the first and secondside portion (e.g., 636) is bent generally perpendicular to the plane Pat a bend line (e.g., B3). Last, the other of the first and second sideportions (e.g., 634) is bent generally perpendicular to plane P at abend line (e.g., B4). Each of the bending operations includes bendingthe portions 634, 636, 638, and 639 at bend lines B1-B4 that extendalong a major dimension (i.e., the length L, FIG. 27) of the adapterframe 622. Only four bending operations are required to produce thebulkhead adapter plate of FIGS. 25 and 26. Referring to FIG. 28, uponcompletion of the four bending operations, the first and second sideportions 634, 636 and the first and second center portions 638, 639 ofthe adapter frame 622 are generally parallel to one another.

Referring to FIG. 29, the front cutouts 665 of the flat sheet of metal640 (FIG. 27) form angled side openings 664 of the adapter mountingopenings 630, 631. The angled side openings 664 are defined by first andsecond perpendicular edges 680, 682. Each of edges 680, 682 extends atnon-perpendicular angle A1, A2 (FIG. 29) relative to plane P. The angledside openings 664 of the mounting openings 630 receive the adapters inan angled orientation relative to the plane P of the adapter frame 622.Likewise, the rear cutouts 661 of the flat sheet of metal 640 (FIG. 27)form angled side openings 667 (FIG. 29). The angled side openings 667are defined by first and second perpendicular edges 681, 683. Each ofedges 681, 683 extends at non-perpendicular angle relative to plane P.

In the illustrated embodiment, an array of twelve angled adapters can bemounted within the two mounting openings 630, 631, the array includingtwo rows of six aligned and angled adapters. As can be understood, othernumbers of adapters or array configurations can be formed in accordancewith the principles disclosed.

To assemble a bulkhead adapter assembly, adapters inserted within themounting openings 630, 631. Referring to FIG. 25, when inserted from thefront side 674 of the bulkhead adapter plate 610, a first locatingshoulder of the adapter contacts the first edge 680 of the one of theside portions (e.g., 634). Likewise, a second locating shoulder of theadapter contacts the first edge 680 of a corresponding one of the centerportions (e.g., 638). The contact between the locating shoulders and theedges limits the axial insertion of the adapters.

To secure the adapters in the mounting openings 630, 631, mounting tabslocated on opposite sides of the adapters engage the through holes 648(FIGS. 25) of the bulkhead adapter plate 610. In particular, onemounting tab of a single adapter engages one of the through hole 648 inone of the side portions (e.g., 634), and the other mounting tab engagesthe through hole 648 in the corresponding one of the center portions(e.g., 638).

Referring now to FIGS. 26, when the adapters are inserted from a rearside 675 of the bulkhead adapter plate 610, the first locating shoulderof the adapter contacts the edge 681 of the rear cutout 661 (see alsoFIG. 27) of one of the side portions (e.g., 636). Likewise, the secondlocating shoulder of the adapter contacts the edge 681 of the rearcutout 661 of the corresponding one of the center portions (e.g., 639).Similar to the previous assembly method, to secure the adapters in theangled orientation, the mounting tabs located on the opposite sides ofthe adapters engage the through holes 648 (FIG. 26) of the bulkheadadapter plate 610.

Referring now to FIG. 30, a schematic representation of a tool 700 isillustrated. The tool 700 can be used to remove an adapter from themounting openings of the various bulkhead adapter panels presentlydisclosed. The tool 700 generally includes a body 710 having thin arms720. To remove an adapter, the thin arms 720 are inserted betweenadapter 32 and the portions of the adapter frame (e.g., side portion 234and center tab 252 in FIG. 12) that are retaining the adapter. As thethin arms 720 are inserted, the arms contact the flexible mounting tabs60. The contact causes the flexible mounting tabs 60 to flex toward oneanother and disengage from the through holes 248. The adapter 32 canthen be removed from the mounting opening.

The above specification provides a complete description of the presentinvention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, certain aspects ofthe invention reside in the claims hereinafter appended.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bulkhead adapter assembly, comprising: a) anadapter frame including a first side portion, a second side portion, anda center portion located between the first and second side portions, thefirst and second side portions being integral with and perpendicular tothe center portion, the adapter frame defining an array of integralangled openings each defined by the center portion and at least one ofthe first and second side portions; and b) adapters mounted within theintegral angled openings, the adapters being oriented at anon-perpendicular angle relative to a plane defined by the centerportion of the adapter frame; c) wherein each adapter includes amounting tab that engages a hole formed in one of the first and secondside portions to secure the adapter in the angled orientation; d)wherein the adapter frame is constructed by bending a flat sheet ofmetal.
 2. The bulkhead adapter assembly of claim 1, further includingmounting flanges extending from each end of the center portion of theadapter frame.
 3. The bulkhead adapter assembly of claim 1, wherein theintegral angled openings each include at least first and second openingportions, the first opening portion being defined by the center portionof the adapter frame, the second opening portion being defined by one ofthe first and second side portions of the adapter frame.
 4. The bulkheadadapter assembly of claim 3, wherein the integral angled openings eachinclude a third opening portion defined by the other of the first andsecond side portions of the adapter frame.
 5. The bulkhead adapterassembly of claim 1, wherein the integral angled openings are defined byfirst apertures formed in the adapter frame and second apertures formedin the adapter frame, the first apertures being formed in both thecenter portion and the first side portion of the adapter frame, thesecond apertures being formed in both the center portion and the secondside portion of the adapter frame.
 6. The bulkhead adapter assembly ofclaim 5, further including a row of tabs depending from the centerportion of the adapter frame, each of the first apertures further beingformed in one of the tabs.
 7. The bulkhead adapter assembly of claim 1,further including a row of tabs depending from the center portion of theadapter frame.
 8. The bulkhead adapter assembly of claim 7, wherein thefirst and second side portions of the adapter frame, and the row oftabs, define holes, and wherein the holes receive mounting tabs of theadapters for securing the adapters in the angled orientation.
 9. Thebulkhead adapter assembly of claim 1, wherein the adapters can bemounted within the integral angled openings from a front side of theadapter frame and from a rear side of the adapter frame.
 10. Thebulkhead adapter assembly of claim 9, wherein each of the first andsecond side portions of the adapter frame is integrally attached to thecenter portion at a bend line, each of the first and second sideportions including notched cutouts formed in edges of the side portionopposite the bend line, the notched cutouts generally corresponding tothe integral angled openings such that the adapters can be mountedwithin the integral angled openings from the rear side of the adapterframe.